United States Celebrates Destruction of One Million Weapons Worldwide

Today the United States observes the United Nation's Small Arms Destruction Day by helping countries in each of the four regions where there are active Department of State destruction programs-Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America-destroy a symbolic "millionth weapon." Since 2001, our small arms/light weapons destruction program has assisted 25 countries destroy more than one million excess weapons that might otherwise have fallen into the hands of criminals and terrorists. This program has also destroyed more than 90 million rounds of ammunition and more than 21,000 man-portable air defense weapons (MANPADS). These events demonstrate our commitment to assisting other countries in recovering from conflict and making the world safer and more secure.

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